Durand Cup Trophy Tour Arrives in Guwahati, Highlighting Assam's Growing Role in Indian Football
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup Trophy Tour reached Guwahati on Thursday, marking another milestone in Assam's growing association with one of the world's oldest football tournaments.
Ahead of the tournament's fifth consecutive edition in the state, the iconic trophies were unveiled at Hotel Vivanta, where senior government officials, Indian Army representatives and football personalities came together to celebrate the occasion. The event reflected Assam's continued commitment to football development, with state leaders reiterating their vision of strengthening the sport from the grassroots while preparing to host another edition of India's most prestigious football competition.
The Durand Cup will be held from July 25 to August 23, with Guwahati once again serving as one of the tournament's key host cities.
Addressing the gathering, Assam's Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare, Shri Biswajit Daimary, emphasised that the state's ambition extends beyond merely hosting tournaments. He highlighted the importance of creating a sustainable football ecosystem through grassroots programmes, better infrastructure and long-term investment in young players. According to Daimary, football has always occupied a special place in Assam's sporting culture, and events such as the Durand Cup provide an ideal platform to inspire aspiring footballers across the region.
He stressed that identifying talented players alone is not enough. Instead, structured coaching programmes, accessible playgrounds and regular competitive opportunities are essential to developing future stars capable of representing India on the international stage. The minister also acknowledged the continued partnership between the Government of Assam and the Indian Army, expressing confidence that such collaborations would contribute significantly to the growth of Indian football.
Representing the Durand Cup Organising Committee, Major General Dinesh Kumar Singh, General Officer Commanding of Bengal Sub Area and Vice Chairman of the organising committee, highlighted the tournament's broader role in Indian football. He described the Durand Cup as much more than a football competition, calling it an important platform for inspiring young players, particularly across the football-rich North-East.
He also reaffirmed the organisers' commitment to working alongside state governments and local football communities to create greater opportunities for emerging talent while strengthening the country's football ecosystem. With clubs from across India competing alongside service teams and international participants, the tournament continues to serve as an important stepping stone for players aiming to establish themselves at the highest level.
Representing defending champions NorthEast United FC, forward Parthib Gogoi reflected on the club's memorable triumph in the previous edition and the challenge of defending the title. He credited the team's success to resilience, discipline and collective belief, while acknowledging the crucial role played by supporters in Guwahati. Parthib noted that every new season presents fresh challenges regardless of previous achievements and expressed excitement about returning to play in front of passionate home fans once again.
NorthEast United will enter the tournament aiming to become one of the few teams to successfully defend the Durand Cup title.
Following the official ceremony, the Durand Cup Trophy, the President's Cup, and the historic Simla Trophy embarked on a two-day public tour across Guwahati.
The trophies visited several iconic locations across the city, including:
Assam Legislative Assembly
Bir Lachit Borphukan Statue
IIT Guwahati
City Centre Mall
The initiative allows football enthusiasts and local residents to experience some of Indian football's most historic trophies up close before the tournament begins. The trophy tour has become an important tradition of the Durand Cup, helping build excitement and connect local communities with one of India's oldest sporting competitions.
Since becoming a host state in 2023, Assam has established itself as one of the tournament's most important venues. This year's edition further strengthens that relationship.
Guwahati will host six Group F matches, featuring NorthEast United FC, Karbi Anglong Morning Star FC, Bodoland FC & FC 1
The presence of three clubs from Assam in the group underlines the state's increasing contribution to Indian football and reflects the growing strength of football across the North-East. The region has consistently produced talented footballers for both club and country, and continued investment in infrastructure and competitions is expected to accelerate that progress.
The 135th IndianOil Durand Cup will be played across five host cities: Kolkata, Shillong, Imphal, Guwahati & Ranchi
Ranchi will make its debut as a host city, becoming the latest addition to the tournament's expanding footprint.
Organised by the Eastern Command of the Indian Army on behalf of the three Services, with support from the respective state governments, the Durand Cup remains the third-oldest surviving football competition in the world.
Established in 1888, the tournament has evolved into one of India's most prestigious football championships while maintaining its historic legacy. The 2026 edition will feature 24 teams, including a foreign entrant representing the Sri Lankan Armed Forces, competing across 43 matches at six venues.
The tournament will begin on July 25 with the much-anticipated Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal FC at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. The final will also be held at the same venue on August 23, bringing another edition of one of Indian football's most celebrated tournaments to a close.
As the trophy tour continues to build excitement across host cities, Guwahati's celebrations have once again highlighted Assam's growing influence in Indian football. With passionate supporters, improving infrastructure and increasing grassroots investment, the state has become an integral part of the Durand Cup's modern journey, ensuring that one of football's oldest competitions continues to inspire future generations across the North-East.
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